National

Growing B.C. Economy Leaves Room For Higher Hike To Minimum Wage: Jobs Minister Shirley Bond

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Mar, 2016 01:01 PM

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is considering raising the minimum wage beyond its scheduled top up as the provincial economy prospers.

In a news release, Jobs Minister Shirley Bond says stronger economic growth creates some room for a modest increase in the minimum wage beyond the consumer price index, which the wage is already tied to.

Bond says she has started discussions aimed at striking a balance that supports workers while recognizing the impacts on businesses.

The minister says she expects to announce a minimum wage increase this spring, with the new rate coming into effect in September.

Provincial government statistics show just five per cent of wage earners in B.C. earn the minimum wage, compared with the national average of 7.1 per cent.

The current minimum wage is $10.45 per hour, the second lowest in the country behind $10.30 in New Brunswick.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

No Charges Against Toronto Dad Whose Baby Was Subject Of Amber Alert: Police

Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook says the man was standing "a few feet away" from the vehicle when the suspect jumped in and drove off Sunday afternoon.

No Charges Against Toronto Dad Whose Baby Was Subject Of Amber Alert: Police

Experienced Snowmobiler From Seattle Dies After Falling Into Pemberton Glacier Crevasse

The 53-year-old man was part of a group of 10 people, all from Seattle, who were riding Saturday on the Pemberton Icefield's Appas Glacier, about 150 kilometres north of Vancouver.

Experienced Snowmobiler From Seattle Dies After Falling Into Pemberton Glacier Crevasse

B.C. Photographer Found Safe And Sound After Spending The Night Outdoors

RCMP and search-and-rescue crews launched a rescue operation after learning a wildlife enthusiast had failed to return from a day-long photo excursion around the community of Golden, B.C.

B.C. Photographer Found Safe And Sound After Spending The Night Outdoors

Ontario Regulation Bans Random Street Checks Or Carding By Police

Of course there's costs involved, but we need to make sure that this cost will result in trust and respect between our police and our communities

Ontario Regulation Bans Random Street Checks Or Carding By Police

Court Orders Halt To Dumping Of Contaminated Soil Near Shawnigan Lake

HAWNIGAN LAKE, B.C. — Residents around Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island are celebrating a court victory halting work at a quarry that accepts contaminated soil.

Court Orders Halt To Dumping Of Contaminated Soil Near Shawnigan Lake

Universities Balance Accuser, Accused Rights In Sexual Misconduct Cases: Experts

Accusations that the University of Victoria and Brock University warned women to stay quiet about alleged sexual misconduct reveal the balancing act post-secondary schools face between the rights of the accused and accuser, experts say.